At the Odesa Museum of Modern Art, an exhibition of works by French artist Fanny Leschevalier titled "In Memoriam. Reality Through Art" has opened.
This exhibition is about war, memory, and solidarity. About the pain Ukraine endures and the response it finds in the hearts of Western Europeans. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Fanny Leschevalier has sought a way to express her support for Ukraine through art. She now works in photomontage, combining images of Ukrainian war everyday life with reproductions of classical Western paintings, creating striking visuals that make viewers stop, look closely, and feel.
Fanny Leschevalier’s works reflect the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people, as well as the universal nature of the experience of war. These are not just art objects but communication tools that build a universal space for understanding. They create a dialogue between past and present, between art history and the reality of war, between bitter losses and the compassion of others. It is a bridge helping Europeans see Ukraine not only in the news but reflected through their own cultural heritage.
The presented photo collages aim to keep Western society sensitive to the tragedy unfolding on Europe’s borders. In an age of constant information flow, the artist reminds us of the importance of humanity and empathy. Along with documenting the war, Fanny Leschevalier’s creativity brings Ukrainians closer to Victory: she directs all proceeds from the sale of her works to Ukrainian organizations working directly on the front lines.
Key goals of the exhibition include:
- Combining art, documentary, and charity to attract international media attention and launch a large-scale initiative to support Ukraine
- Demonstrating the EU’s solidarity with Ukraine
- Honoring the work of war correspondents who risk their lives daily to capture events in the hottest spots and tell the world the truth about the war. To enhance this effect, the artist’s works are always exhibited alongside contextual information about the original photos
- Raising funds to create a new rehabilitation center: Fanny Leschevalier’s works will be sold at a charity auction, with proceeds going to establish Kyiv’s first educational and rehabilitation hub for war victims
“It is a great honor for me to present my work in Ukraine — a country of courage and resistance. The Ukrainian people fight daily for their freedom, dignity, and the values that unite us all. It is important to bear witness to this struggle and to preserve the memory of it. My work is dedicated precisely to this — as well as to the photographers who provide us access to information. Through my photomontages, I try to express the emotional impact of conflicts and strive to protect our sensitivity amid the continuous flow of images.
By collaborating with photojournalists and the military, I seek to emphasize the importance of their actions. When war photographs are combined with classical Western paintings, the past merges with the present, and the West enters into a dialogue with Ukraine. These juxtapositions transcend temporal and geographical boundaries, connecting us through emotions despite our cultural differences.
Europe cannot remain a mere spectator. By raising awareness of the suffering of the Ukrainian people and sharing in their struggle, we reject indifference and choose the path of action. This exhibition carries a message of profound solidarity and a call for genuine support. I have also made a decision to make a practical contribution: all proceeds from the sale of my works will go to the creation of a rehabilitation center in Kyiv for those affected by the war. I want to express my gratitude to the Solidarity charity foundation for their commitment and support.
Together, we have great power to act and to change Ukraine for the better!” said Fanny Leschevalier.
After Odessa, the exhibition will travel to Mykolaiv, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, and Lviv.
Organizer of the project in Odessa:
Charitable Foundation Solidarity, Alliance Française in Odessa, and Odesa Museum of Modern Art
Partners of the project in Odessa:
Dovgyi Family Office, Embassy of France in Ukraine, French Institute in Ukraine, and Megabud company
The exhibition will run until June 17 at the Odesa Museum of Modern Art, located at 31/33 European (Katerynynska) Street, from 12:00 to 18:00. Monday is closed.
Admission fee: 150/75 UAH (full/reduced).
